HESI A2: Reading Comprehension (Quiz 2)

Hiccups: At some point in your life, you have probably had the hiccups. Hiccups are caused by spasms in the diaphragm, a muscle located at the bottom of your chest. As we inhale, the diaphragm contracts, pulling air into the lungs. As we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, pushing air back out through the mouth and nose. When we hiccup, the diaphragm jerks downward suddenly, pulling a quick burst of air into our lungs. As the air rushes into your body, it hits the voice box. This causes your vocal cords to snap shut, creating the sound we recognize as a hiccup. Hiccups can be triggered by many different things—eating too much, drinking too fast, sudden change of temperature, stress, fatigue, nervousness, and even excessive laughter can all cause the hiccups. While there are many home remedies for hiccups, there is no evidence to suggest that any of them are actually effective. In fact, most cases of the hiccups go away on their own. Although hiccups are usually harmless, they can be a sign of something more serious. Long-term hiccups might be a result of damage to the nerves that serve the diaphragm muscle. Persistent hiccups might also be caused by certain central nervous system disorders, traumatic brain injuries, drug abuse, or kidney disease. Question: What is the main idea of the passage?

Preventing Heart Disease: Heart disease is a life-threatening condition that kills millions of people every year. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of human beings worldwide; over thirty percent of deaths every year are due to some form of cardiovascular disease. Although there are many different types of medications and surgical procedures that can treat heart disease, prevention is the most important factor in reducing the number of deaths. Proper nutrition is important in preventing heart disease. The recommended diet for a healthy heart is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and refined sugar. The diet should be high in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided. Smoking increases the risk for heart disease at least ten-fold, and drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood and lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular damage. Lack of physical exercise can also make a person more likely to suffer from heart disease. Participating regularly in aerobic exercise, which can include walking, jogging, dancing, or swimming significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. Another contributor to heart disease is stress. Constant stress can expose your body to persistently elevated levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. High levels of these hormones can increase blood pressure and damage artery walls. Engaging in yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and lowering the risk of heart disease. Question: What is the best summary of the passage?

Soda Ban: Cigarettes. Alcohol. Drugs. Most people agree that these things should be kept away from children and only consumed by adults in limited quantities, if at all. Is the same thing true for soda? A 20-ounce-bottle of soda has over sixteen teaspoons of sugar in it. This is twice the amount of sugar that the American Heart Association recommends a person should eat in an entire day. Furthermore, this 20-ounce bottle of soda delivers over 200 calories and no nutritive value; soda contains no vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, or other nutrients. Drinking sodas and other sugary beverages can cause serious health problems. Consuming too many of these sugar-filled beverages may increase your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, tooth decay, and certain kinds of cancer. Studies have also shown that people who drink soda tend to develop a condition known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high levels of triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol (commonly referred to as “good cholesterol”). Some places have already taken steps to reduce the amount of soda people consume. In California, for example, cafeterias and vending machines in grade schools can not sell soda. The city of Philadelphia also recently added a tax on sugary beverages, making sodas more expensive to purchase. Soda may taste good, but it is terrible for your health. There should be more bans and taxes to keep people from drinking these harmful beverages. What is the main idea of the passage?

Concussions: Concussions are brain injuries that occur when a person receives a blow to the head, face, or neck. Although most people who suffer a concussion experience initial bouts of dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness, these symptoms often disappear after a few days. The long-term effects of concussions, however, are less understood and far more severe. Recent studies suggest that people who suffer multiple concussions are at significant risk for developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disorder that causes a variety of dangerous mental and emotional problems to arise weeks, months, or even years after the initial injury. These psychological problems can include depression, anxiety, memory loss, inability to concentrate, and aggression. In extreme cases, people suffering from CTE have even committed suicide or homicide. The majority of people who develop these issues are athletes who participate in popular high-impact sports, especially football. Improvements in diagnostic technology have provided substantial evidence to link severe—and often fatal—psychological disorders to the head injuries players receive while on the field. Recent autopsies performed on the brains of football players who have committed suicide have shown advanced cases of CTE in every single victim. In response to the growing understanding of this danger, the National Football League (NFL) has revised its safety regulations. There is hope that these new regulations, coupled with advances in helmet design, will reduce the number of concussions player endure, and thus curb the number of CTE cases. Efforts by the NFL and other professional sports leagues are certainly laudable. However, new regulations at the professional level cannot protect amateur players, especially young people. Fatal cases of CTE have been reported in victims as young as 21. With appropriate equipment and form, tackling need not be dangerous. Proper tackling form—using the arms and shoulders to aim for a player’s midsection rather than leading with the top of the head—should be taught at an early age. Youth, high school, and college leagues should also adopt safety rules even more stringent than the NFL’s. Question: Which would best replace ‘stringent,’ used in the last sentence of the passage?

Dissociative Identity Disorder: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly called multiple personality disorder, is a severe psychological condition in which two or more distinct identities are present in an individual. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of diagnosed cases of DID in the past 30 years. There has also been an increase in the number of different personalities reported, as well as more unusual personalities. This may be due to an increased awareness of the disease among clinicians. However, it might also be because there have been so many sensational portrayals of DID in popular media. Some believe that people fake the disorder in order to absolve themselves of guilt or gain attention. However, there is a good deal of research that suggests that DID is a legitimate illness. One of the strongest pieces of evidence is fact that it is found all over the world. There have been cases of DID reported in cities and villages across Turkey, Nigeria, Ethiopia, China, and India, among other places. It is unlikely that people living in rural or remote places have been influenced by portrayals of DID in films or television shows. Others argue that DID is the creation of overzealous clinicians who (unwittingly) induce highly suggestible clients to believe they have multiple personalities. These clinicians encourage clients to “bring out” the other personalities during hypnosis and reward them with praise for doing so, which then makes the clients more likely to believe that the other personalities are real. If this is the case, it may not be a “genuine” illness in that the clinicians have created it, but is this any different than a “genuine” mental illness that is fostered by other people’s influences on a client’s life? No matter what has caused the illness, it causes significant distress to the client, and therefore must be treated as a serious and “genuine” problem. Question: What is the main idea of the passage?

Concussions: Concussions are brain injuries that occur when a person receives a blow to the head, face, or neck. Although most people who suffer a concussion experience initial bouts of dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness, these symptoms often disappear after a few days. The long-term effects of concussions, however, are less understood and far more severe. Recent studies suggest that people who suffer multiple concussions are at significant risk for developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disorder that causes a variety of dangerous mental and emotional problems to arise weeks, months, or even years after the initial injury. These psychological problems can include depression, anxiety, memory loss, inability to concentrate, and aggression. In extreme cases, people suffering from CTE have even committed suicide or homicide. The majority of people who develop these issues are athletes who participate in popular high-impact sports, especially football. Improvements in diagnostic technology have provided substantial evidence to link severe—and often fatal—psychological disorders to the head injuries players receive while on the field. Recent autopsies performed on the brains of football players who have committed suicide have shown advanced cases of CTE in every single victim. In response to the growing understanding of this danger, the National Football League (NFL) has revised its safety regulations. There is hope that these new regulations, coupled with advances in helmet design, will reduce the number of concussions player endure, and thus curb the number of CTE cases. Efforts by the NFL and other professional sports leagues are certainly laudable. However, new regulations at the professional level cannot protect amateur players, especially young people. Fatal cases of CTE have been reported in victims as young as 21. With appropriate equipment and form, tackling need not be dangerous. Proper tackling form—using the arms and shoulders to aim for a player’s midsection rather than leading with the top of the head—should be taught at an early age. Youth, high school, and college leagues should also adopt safety rules even more stringent than the NFL’s. Question: Why does the author include the detail “fatal cases of CTE have been reported in victims as young as 21” in the passage?

Dissociative Identity Disorder: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly called multiple personality disorder, is a severe psychological condition in which two or more distinct identities are present in an individual. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of diagnosed cases of DID in the past 30 years. There has also been an increase in the number of different personalities reported, as well as more unusual personalities. This may be due to an increased awareness of the disease among clinicians. However, it might also be because there have been so many sensational portrayals of DID in popular media. Some believe that people fake the disorder in order to absolve themselves of guilt or gain attention. However, there is a good deal of research that suggests that DID is a legitimate illness. One of the strongest pieces of evidence is fact that it is found all over the world. There have been cases of DID reported in cities and villages across Turkey, Nigeria, Ethiopia, China, and India, among other places. It is unlikely that people living in rural or remote places have been influenced by portrayals of DID in films or television shows. Others argue that DID is the creation of overzealous clinicians who (unwittingly) induce highly suggestible clients to believe they have multiple personalities. These clinicians encourage clients to “bring out” the other personalities during hypnosis and reward them with praise for doing so, which then makes the clients more likely to believe that the other personalities are real. If this is the case, it may not be a “genuine” illness in that the clinicians have created it, but is this any different than a “genuine” mental illness that is fostered by other people’s influences on a client’s life? No matter what has caused the illness, it causes significant distress to the client, and therefore must be treated as a serious and “genuine” problem. Question: Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

Dissociative Identity Disorder: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly called multiple personality disorder, is a severe psychological condition in which two or more distinct identities are present in an individual. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of diagnosed cases of DID in the past 30 years. There has also been an increase in the number of different personalities reported, as well as more unusual personalities. This may be due to an increased awareness of the disease among clinicians. However, it might also be because there have been so many sensational portrayals of DID in popular media. Some believe that people fake the disorder in order to absolve themselves of guilt or gain attention. However, there is a good deal of research that suggests that DID is a legitimate illness. One of the strongest pieces of evidence is fact that it is found all over the world. There have been cases of DID reported in cities and villages across Turkey, Nigeria, Ethiopia, China, and India, among other places. It is unlikely that people living in rural or remote places have been influenced by portrayals of DID in films or television shows. Others argue that DID is the creation of overzealous clinicians who (unwittingly) induce highly suggestible clients to believe they have multiple personalities. These clinicians encourage clients to “bring out” the other personalities during hypnosis and reward them with praise for doing so, which then makes the clients more likely to believe that the other personalities are real. If this is the case, it may not be a “genuine” illness in that the clinicians have created it, but is this any different than a “genuine” mental illness that is fostered by other people’s influences on a client’s life? No matter what has caused the illness, it causes significant distress to the client, and therefore must be treated as a serious and “genuine” problem. Question: Why does the author pose a question to readers in the last paragraph?

Preventing Heart Disease: Heart disease is a life-threatening condition that kills millions of people every year. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of human beings worldwide; over thirty percent of deaths every year are due to some form of cardiovascular disease. Although there are many different types of medications and surgical procedures that can treat heart disease, prevention is the most important factor in reducing the number of deaths. Proper nutrition is important in preventing heart disease. The recommended diet for a healthy heart is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and refined sugar. The diet should be high in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided. Smoking increases the risk for heart disease at least ten-fold, and drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood and lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular damage. Lack of physical exercise can also make a person more likely to suffer from heart disease. Participating regularly in aerobic exercise, which can include walking, jogging, dancing, or swimming significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. Another contributor to heart disease is stress. Constant stress can expose your body to persistently elevated levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. High levels of these hormones can increase blood pressure and damage artery walls. Engaging in yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and lowering the risk for heart disease. Question: According to the text, what is the relationship between alcohol consumption and fats in the blood?

Soda Ban: Cigarettes. Alcohol. Drugs. Most people agree that these things should be kept away from children and only consumed by adults in limited quantities, if at all. Is the same thing true for soda? A 20-ounce-bottle of soda has over sixteen teaspoons of sugar in it. This is twice the amount of sugar that the American Heart Association recommends a person should eat in an entire day. Furthermore, this 20-ounce bottle of soda delivers over 200 calories and no nutritive value; soda contains no vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, or other nutrients. Drinking sodas and other sugary beverages can cause serious health problems. Consuming too many of these sugar-filled beverages may increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, tooth decay, and certain kinds of cancer. Studies have also shown that people who drink soda tend to develop a condition known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high levels of triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol (commonly referred to as “good cholesterol”). Some places have already taken steps to reduce the amount of soda people consume. In California, for example, cafeterias and vending machines in grade schools can not sell soda. The city of Philadelphia also recently added a tax on sugary beverages, making sodas more expensive to purchase. Soda may taste good, but it is terrible for your health. There should be more bans and taxes to keep people from drinking these harmful beverages. Which of these options is an example of opinion, rather than factual information?

Hiccups: At some point in your life, you have probably had the hiccups. Hiccups are caused by spasms in the diaphragm, a muscle located at the bottom of your chest. As we inhale, the diaphragm contracts, pulling air into the lungs. As we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, pushing air back out through the mouth and nose. When we hiccup, the diaphragm jerks downward suddenly, pulling a quick burst of air into our lungs. As the air rushes into your body, it hits the voice box. This causes your vocal cords to snap shut, creating the sound we recognize as a hiccup. Hiccups can be triggered by many different things—eating too much, drinking too fast, sudden change of temperature, stress, fatigue, nervousness, and even excessive laughter can all cause the hiccups. While there are many home remedies for hiccups, there is no evidence to suggest that any of them are actually effective. In fact, most cases of the hiccups go away on their own. Although hiccups are usually harmless, they can be a sign of something more serious. Long-term hiccups might be a result of damage to the nerves that serve the diaphragm muscle. Persistent hiccups might also be caused by certain central nervous system disorders, traumatic brain injuries, drug abuse, or kidney disease. Question: What is the primary cause of the characteristic sound that a hiccup makes?

Hiccups: At some point in your life, you have probably had the hiccups. Hiccups are caused by spasms in the diaphragm, a muscle located at the bottom of your chest. As we inhale, the diaphragm contracts, pulling air into the lungs. As we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, pushing air back out through the mouth and nose. When we hiccup, the diaphragm jerks downward suddenly, pulling a quick burst of air into our lungs. As the air rushes into your body, it hits the voice box. This causes your vocal cords to snap shut, creating the sound we recognize as a hiccup. Hiccups can be triggered by many different things—eating too much, drinking too fast, sudden change of temperature, stress, fatigue, nervousness, and even excessive laughter can all cause the hiccups. While there are many home remedies for hiccups, there is no evidence to suggest that any of them are actually effective. In fact, most cases of the hiccups go away on their own. Although hiccups are usually harmless, they can be a sign of something more serious. Long-term hiccups might be a result of damage to the nerves that serve the diaphragm muscle. Persistent hiccups might also be caused by certain central nervous system disorders, traumatic brain injuries, drug abuse, or kidney disease. Question: What is the meaning of the word triggered in paragraph 2?

Preventing Heart Disease: Heart disease is a life-threatening condition that kills millions of people every year. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of human beings worldwide; over thirty percent of deaths every year are due to some form of cardiovascular disease. Although there are many different types of medications and surgical procedures that can treat heart disease, prevention is the most important factor in reducing the number of deaths. Proper nutrition is important in preventing heart disease. The recommended diet for a healthy heart is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and refined sugar. The diet should be high in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided. Smoking increases the risk for heart disease at least ten-fold, and drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood and lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular damage. Lack of physical exercise can also make a person more likely to suffer from heart disease. Participating regularly in aerobic exercise, which can include walking, jogging, dancing, or swimming significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. Another contributor to heart disease is stress. Constant stress can expose your body to persistently elevated levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. High levels of these hormones can increase blood pressure and damage artery walls. Engaging in yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and lowering the risk of heart disease. Question: What can be inferred from a person with constantly elevated stress levels, according to the passage?

Soda Ban: Cigarettes. Alcohol. Drugs. Most people agree that these things should be kept away from children and only consumed by adults in limited quantities, if at all. Is the same thing true for soda? A 20-ounce-bottle of soda has over sixteen teaspoons of sugar in it. This is twice the amount of sugar that the American Heart Association recommends a person should eat in an entire day. Furthermore, this 20-ounce bottle of soda delivers over 200 calories and no nutritive value; soda contains no vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, or other nutrients. Drinking sodas and other sugary beverages can cause serious health problems. Consuming too many of these sugar-filled beverages may increase your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, tooth decay, and certain kinds of cancer. Studies have also shown that people who drink soda tend to develop a condition known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high levels of triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol (commonly referred to as “good cholesterol”). Some places have already taken steps to reduce the amount of soda people consume. In California, for example, cafeterias and vending machines in grade schools can not sell soda. The city of Philadelphia also recently added a tax on sugary beverages, making sodas more expensive to purchase. Soda may taste good, but it is terrible for your health. There should be more bans and taxes to keep people from drinking these harmful beverages. Which detail supports the idea that people have taken action against soda?

Evolution: From Wolves to Man’s Best Friend: According to a recent poll, dogs are considered to be the most popular and sought after pet for American families. Interestingly enough, what we now understand to be “man’s best friend” was once an independent predator that roamed wild lands. The transformation from wolves to dogs is not only a stunning example of evolution, but it also provides a fascinating look into how wolves have adapted to live in harmony with mankind. When it comes to interactions between species, most DNA experts agree that the long-standing relationship between mankind and dogs is a great mystery. How did our ancestors take on the idea of training a wild animal in hopes of creating a trusted animal ally? Aside from a recent discovery of animal fossils found in the Czech Republic, most data surrounding the evolution of wolves is inconclusive. Moreover, scientists and researchers in the field hold vastly different ideas when it comes to specific dates and explanations regarding the transformation. What is certain, however, is that the evolution of wolves into dogs happened over the course of at least a hundred thousand years. On a general level, it seems as though each theory that serves to explain the progress is paired with another specific theory that deflates the idea. For instance, one popular theory regarding the domestication of wolves posits that humans stole wolf pups from their dens in hopes of training them to protect their families. However, this idea has recently been debunked based on fossil evidence and a better understanding of ancient times through anthropological research. Instead, some experts believe that wolves were actually drawn to humans, and initiated friendly contact due to the excess food waste left in villages. Basically, wolves may have understood domestication as a means of survival, in that food was a guarantee in what may have been an otherwise difficult period for finding prey. If the latter theory is valid, it would seem that the beginning stages of this relationship were more advantageous for wolves. However, the theory of coevolution can shed light on how the relationship benefitted both parties. Many believe that wolves and humans coevolved, in that they affected each other’s evolution for the better and worked together. Wolves, for example, were able to assist humans when hunting for food, thanks to their extreme senses of sight and smell. On the other hand, humans looked after wolves and provided them shelter from outside elements. Of course, the physical and emotional habits of wolves transformed throughout this process. In other words, the first wolves cared for by humans were most likely presented with changes in metabolism due to decreased activity levels and an increased food supply. As these changes carried on through generations, domesticated wolves took on a smaller physical stature and a more relaxed emotional state. Despite these fascinating shifts, it is still possible to recognize the genetic link between wild wolves and America’s most playful pet. What is the main idea of the passage?

Concussions: Concussions are brain injuries that occur when a person receives a blow to the head, face, or neck. Although most people who suffer a concussion experience initial bouts of dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness, these symptoms often disappear after a few days. The long-term effects of concussions, however, are less understood and far more severe. Recent studies suggest that people who suffer multiple concussions are at significant risk for developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disorder that causes a variety of dangerous mental and emotional problems to arise weeks, months, or even years after the initial injury. These psychological problems can include depression, anxiety, memory loss, inability to concentrate, and aggression. In extreme cases, people suffering from CTE have even committed suicide or homicide. The majority of people who develop these issues are athletes who participate in popular high-impact sports, especially football. Improvements in diagnostic technology have provided substantial evidence to link severe—and often fatal—psychological disorders to the head injuries players receive while on the field. Recent autopsies performed on the brains of football players who have committed suicide have shown advanced cases of CTE in every single victim. In response to the growing understanding of this danger, the National Football League (NFL) has revised its safety regulations. There is hope that these new regulations, coupled with advances in helmet design, will reduce the number of concussions player endure, and thus curb the number of CTE cases. Efforts by the NFL and other professional sports leagues are certainly laudable. However, new regulations at the professional level cannot protect amateur players, especially young people. Fatal cases of CTE have been reported in victims as young as 21. With appropriate equipment and form, tackling need not be dangerous. Proper tackling form—using the arms and shoulders to aim for a player’s midsection rather than leading with the top of the head—should be taught at an early age. Youth, high school, and college leagues should also adopt safety rules even more stringent than the NFL’s. Question: Which supporting detail is an example of an opinion, rather than factual information?

Nature’s Pharmacy: Paracelsus, a Swiss physician and alchemist who was considered a pioneer in medicinal practices during the Renaissance, was once quoted as saying, “Amidst the plains and mountains lie the best pharmacies”. While groups of homeopathic healers have long believed that nature may hold the secret to curing ailments, recent studies have also suggested that plants may be valid alternatives when fighting illness and disease. Even so, will patients be willing to rely solely on nature’s pharmacy, rather than their trusted brick and mortar drug stores? The latest research on the topic leads to interesting facts and figures. In past centuries, the use of plants and herbs to cure ailments was a popular solution. However, it began to lose credibility in the 19th century, with the advent of pharmaceutical drugs. Phytotherapy, an allopathic discipline that uses natural extracts as medicines, was the most prominent medicinal therapy in the 1800s. In the 1900s, however, controversy regarding the lack of control measures in their manufacturing processes, coupled with the advent of pharmaceutical medicine, led to the decline of natural remedies and their popularity. Thanks to the current, more stringent protocol in the manufacturing process, though, alternative medicine is making a comeback. Unbeknownst to most of the population, phytotherapy must be studied by a trained and qualified professional. With this in mind, simply browsing the “Botanicals and Natural Remedies” aisle at the local pharmacy, or using lavender oil to help get rid of a headache, could actually do more harm than good. Without in-depth and accurate knowledge regarding the potential healing properties and side effects of various plants, using these natural supplements could alter the body’s healing cycles and possibly interfere with the use of other pharmaceutical drugs. Thanks to the fact that phytotherapy has become an internationally-recognized area of study, universities around the world offer academic programs dedicated to understanding the chemical properties of plants. However, access to more knowledge on a topic may not automatically persuade people to turn to natural supplements when battling general ailments. In fact, according to a recent survey, psychologists believe that it will take at least a few years before the average person includes natural supplements in their medicine cabinets. Moreover, people are unlikely to trust the input of holistic medical practitioners, even if they hold advanced degrees in phytotherapy. On the other hand, research suggests that once these facts become part of the mainstream medical industry, people may be open to new therapies. Until then, the potential curing effects of nature’s pharmacies may likely remain in classroom universities and history textbooks. What is the main idea of the passage?

When Dinosaurs Coughed: Centuries of research and fossil evidence have allowed us to visualize various aspects of dinosaurs, ranging from how they looked to how they acted. Thanks to a recent study that analyzed fossil remains discovered in Montana, it is possible that dinosaurs may have even caught and dealt with the annoying symptoms of the common cold, just like humans do! During an excavation, paleontologists uncovered the remains of a diplodocid, a large herbivore with a long neck. Due to its size, this type of dinosaur breathed in air through sacs in its neck, which were directly connected to its respiratory system. The fossil remains of the dinosaur indicated that a pathogen had infected its lungs and respiratory system. Although researchers have not yet pinpointed the exact source of the infection, one hypothesis posits that it is the Aspergillus fungus, which infects reptiles and birds to this day. No matter the origin, the study shows that the illness caused symptoms similar to a cough and increased body temperature, which are indicative of the common cold. Which of the following is true, based on the passage?

Is There Anybody Out There? For over fifty years, scientists and those fascinated with outer space have been looking for signs of intelligent life in the vast universe. Although various conspiracy theorists have debated potential sights of unidentified foreign objects and even extra-terrestrial beings, these theories lack scientific evidence. In fact, other than one small signal picked up by a powerful radio telescope in 1977, scientists have not received any communication from neighboring planets. Most scientists have understood this lack of communication as a sign that Earth is the only planet in our solar system that contains existing life forms, but does research support this idea? At first, scientists were open to the idea that living beings may have existed on planets other than Earth. This was because it was initially speculated that the universe could possibly be full of habitable planets conducive to life. However, research regarding temperature shifts on certain planets across time has disproved this theory. Data has shown that four billion years ago, planets such as Venus, Earth, and Mars, could all have been habitable. However, within approximately a billion years from their birth, the temperature changes they experienced eliminated these possibilities. Mars, for instance, became very cold, whereas Venus developed into an extremely hot planet. Thus, even if Mars and Venus were once home to initial life forms, they may not have been able to keep up with the rapidly changing environmental conditions. Once astronomers and astrobiologists understood the reality of atmospheric pressures on other planets, they relied on new theories to shed new light on the matter. They learned that the atmospheres of different planets are quite delicate and that they are not stable enough to support advanced life forms. For a planet to be effectively habitable, it must have strong atmospheric stability, which is achieved through the greenhouse effect, a process that occurs as gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the Sun. Without this possibility, surface temperatures are not suitable for life forms. Of all the planets in the Solar System, Earth has managed to play a leading role in stabilizing its climate. This is why it could not only provide, but also maintain, an environment in which humans could evolve. Since Earth is the only planet known to have this capability, it is highly improbable that the Solar System contains other intelligent life forms that would be able to interact with human beings on Earth. However, this theory does not eliminate the possibility of finding fossilized life forms on other planets. If fossils were to be found on other planets, researchers believe that they would likely only be microbial in nature, further confirming that the atmospheric pressures on different planets would not support advanced life forms. Based on the text, why is it unlikely that scientists will travel to other planets in search of life?

Nature’s Pharmacy: Paracelsus, a Swiss physician and alchemist who was considered a pioneer in medicinal practices during the Renaissance, was once quoted as saying, “Amidst the plains and mountains lie the best pharmacies”. While groups of homeopathic healers have long believed that nature may hold the secret to curing ailments, recent studies have also suggested that plants may be valid alternatives when fighting illness and disease. Even so, will patients be willing to rely solely on nature’s pharmacy, rather than their trusted brick and mortar drug stores? The latest research on the topic leads to interesting facts and figures. In past centuries, the use of plants and herbs to cure ailments was a popular solution. However, it began to lose credibility in the 19th century, with the advent of pharmaceutical drugs. Phytotherapy, an allopathic discipline that uses natural extracts as medicines, was the most prominent medicinal therapy in the 1800s. In the 1900s, however, controversy regarding the lack of control measures in their manufacturing processes, coupled with the advent of pharmaceutical medicine, led to the decline of natural remedies and their popularity. Thanks to the current, more stringent protocol in the manufacturing process, though, alternative medicine is making a comeback. Unbeknownst to most of the population, phytotherapy must be studied by a trained and qualified professional. With this in mind, simply browsing the “Botanicals and Natural Remedies” aisle at the local pharmacy, or using lavender oil to help get rid of a headache, could actually do more harm than good. Without in-depth and accurate knowledge regarding the potential healing properties and side effects of various plants, using these natural supplements could alter the body’s healing cycles and possibly interfere with the use of other pharmaceutical drugs. Thanks to the fact that phytotherapy has become an internationally-recognized area of study, universities around the world offer academic programs dedicated to understanding the chemical properties of plants. However, access to more knowledge on a topic may not automatically persuade people to turn to natural supplements when battling general ailments. In fact, according to a recent survey, psychologists believe that it will take at least a few years before the average person includes natural supplements in their medicine cabinets. Moreover, people are unlikely to trust the input of holistic medical practitioners, even if they hold advanced degrees in phytotherapy. On the other hand, research suggests that once these facts become part of the mainstream medical industry, people may be open to new therapies. Until then, the potential curing effects of nature’s pharmacies may likely remain in classroom universities and history textbooks. What is the main idea of the third paragraph?

When Dinosaurs Coughed: Centuries of research and fossil evidence have allowed us to visualize various aspects of dinosaurs, ranging from how they looked to how they acted. Thanks to a recent study that analyzed fossil remains discovered in Montana, it is possible that dinosaurs may have even caught and dealt with the annoying symptoms of the common cold, just like humans do! During an excavation, paleontologists uncovered the remains of a diplodocid, a large herbivore with a long neck. Due to its size, this type of dinosaur breathed in air through sacs in its neck, which were directly connected to its respiratory system. The fossil remains of the dinosaur indicated that a pathogen had infected its lungs and respiratory system. Although researchers have not yet pinpointed the exact source of the infection, one hypothesis posits that it is the Aspergillus fungus, which infects reptiles and birds to this day. No matter the origin, the study shows that the illness caused symptoms similar to a cough and increased body temperature, which are indicative of the common cold. What is the main idea of the paragraph?

Scientists presume that genome sequences can offer valuable information regarding common diseases and human biology. In fact, they believe that the recurring patterns could also provide clues to some of the most difficult scientific questions, especially those concerning evolution and how humans came into existence. It is predicted that further research will continue to increase the lengths of various DNA fragments, leading to new discoveries and perhaps even answers to the most puzzling biological concerns. Which of the following is NOT true, based on the passage?

Despite the fact that the genome map was nearly-complete, researchers were still required to work through various gaps that were unable to be filled in through the use of nanopore-based methods. However, this new method was able to cut back on the amount of time researchers spent putting together shorter pieces in order to solve the complicated “DNA puzzle” of human genetics. Although this information is extremely beneficial for neuroscientists and researchers, what does it mean for the general population? Which of the following is not discussed as a fact about nanopore-based methods?

Is There Anybody Out There? For over fifty years, scientists and those fascinated with outer space have been looking for signs of intelligent life in the vast universe. Although various conspiracy theorists have debated potential sights of unidentified foreign objects and even extra-terrestrial beings, these theories lack scientific evidence. In fact, other than one small signal picked up by a powerful radio telescope in 1977, scientists have not received any communication from neighboring planets. Most scientists have understood this lack of communication as a sign that Earth is the only planet in our solar system that contains existing life forms, but does research support this idea? At first, scientists were open to the idea that living beings may have existed on planets other than Earth. This was because it was initially speculated that the universe could possibly be full of habitable planets conducive to life. However, research regarding temperature shifts on certain planets across time has disproved this theory. Data has shown that four billion years ago, planets such as Venus, Earth, and Mars, could all have been habitable. However, within approximately a billion years from their birth, the temperature changes they experienced eliminated these possibilities. Mars, for instance, became very cold, whereas Venus developed into an extremely hot planet. Thus, even if Mars and Venus were once home to initial life forms, they may not have been able to keep up with the rapidly changing environmental conditions. Once astronomers and astrobiologists understood the reality of atmospheric pressures on other planets, they relied on new theories to shed new light on the matter. They learned that the atmospheres of different planets are quite delicate and that they are not stable enough to support advanced life forms. For a planet to be effectively habitable, it must have strong atmospheric stability, which is achieved through the greenhouse effect, a process that occurs as gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the Sun. Without this possibility, surface temperatures are not suitable for life forms. Of all the planets in the Solar System, Earth has managed to play a leading role in stabilizing its climate. This is why it could not only provide, but also maintain, an environment in which humans could evolve. Since Earth is the only planet known to have this capability, it is highly improbable that the Solar System contains other intelligent life forms that would be able to interact with human beings on Earth. However, this theory does not eliminate the possibility of finding fossilized life forms on other planets. If fossils were to be found on other planets, researchers believe that they would likely only be microbial in nature, further confirming that the atmospheric pressures on different planets would not support advanced life forms. Which of the following supports the idea that atmospheric pressure plays a pivotal role in the sustenance of life?

Forgotten Wildlife What were once considered to be treasured beings in the forests of Madagascar are currently at risk of becoming extinct. Out of 107 species of lemurs, specifically from Madagascar, 103 are now considered endangered. Based on data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this change was influenced by human behavior, a failing economy, and the rapid change in environmental conditions. As the spread of illegal hunting and trading continues to plague various wildlife species in Africa, the IUCN plans to prevent lemurs from completely disappearing from Earth, but it is not considered an easy task. Which of the following is true, based on the passage?

Interior Secrets of the Pyramids History textbooks are likely to include photographs or illustrated depictions of ancient Egyptian pyramids, showcasing their grandeur and architectural wonder. Can the same be said for authentic depictions of the internal features of these pyramids though? Thanks to a new international mission exploring the various layers of famous pyramids, scientists plan to unravel these “interior design mysteries” through the use of advanced technology. They may even prove that past archaeological exploration projects have not been as extensive as was once imagined. The four pyramids involved in the study include the two pyramids of Giza (Cheops and Chfren) along with the two pyramids of Dahshur, located south of Cairo. Initially, further research devoted to these structures seemed futile, as the 4,500-year-old pyramids have already been explored by experts. However, they have never been investigated using infrared technology, which could allow scientists to discover any additional hidden chambers in the pyramids without using destructive methods. In other words, the international team of researchers will be able to look through each structure using “X-ray vision” for the first time in history! The primary technique in the project will involve directing beams of indirect cosmic rays on the pyramids themselves. When cosmic rays bombard a certain area in the atmosphere, they produce particles known as muons, which have a high ability to traverse matter. Although the properties of muons make them excellent options for “seeing” through the pyramids’ rocks, some of them would still be absorbed by the rocks themselves. To solve this problem, scientists will use tools that are able to detect any voids in the pyramids by analyzing the number of muons that have been blocked by the structure. Past evidence of this technique, used in some pyramids in South America, shows promising results. The new technology will initially be implemented in the Rhomboid Pyramid in Dahshur, which was built by Pharaoh Sneferu approximately 4,600 years ago. The rhomboidal shape of this pyramid includes a double slope, which still puzzles scientists to this day. Most believe that the sloping side was an afterthought in construction or a quick solution to a collapsing wall. In addition to locating potential chambers inside of this pyramid, archaeologists are interested in finding any other clues that will explain the unique shape of its structure. Once testing has been wrapped up in Dahshur, the teams will make their way to Giza and use the technology once more. However, not all historians are onboard with the idea of using technology to explore these last two pyramids. Despite the fact that this new technology could unearth hidden mysteries in the structures in Giza, some scientists argue that previous methods have already exhausted all possible chambers. Although it is true that the diverse chambers of the Pyramid of Cheops have already bee verified, the new study will rule out the possibility of any additional, hidden spaces. Even if it does not lead to any new conclusions, it will prove as a testament to technology’s increasingly helpful ways of identifying the past. Based on the text, why is infrared technology especially beneficial for the exploration of Egyptian Pyramids?

Based on past evidence, leading experts believe that naturally-developing anthrax poisoning may be involved, due to the symptoms elephants experienced prior to their deaths. Most elephants seemed to wander in a circle before collapsing on the ground, which has led scientists to consider the possibility of an unknown pathology attacking their central nervous system. Although a natural poison found in nearby vegetation could be the answer, it is also possible that the elephants came into contact with an unknown virus or bacteria. In any case, scientists must wait for the completed autopsies before ruling out any other ideas. However, they have already started preparing preventative measures in order to protect the endangered African Elephants from another mysterious disaster. Which word would best replace the word “prior” as it is used in the paragraph?

The first theory examined weather patterns in Botswana. Environmentalists looked into the possibility of droughts in the country, since they are the leading cause of mass deaths similar to this case. However, they were unable to confirm any recent periods of drought. In fact, the elephants did not seem to have problems accessing water or getting specific nutrients. Secondly, conservationists verified that all of the elephants contained their ivory tusks as well as all of their molars at the time of death and afterwards, eliminating any chance that poachers had something to do with the events. Although some experts initially considered that poachers may have poisoned the elephants, this theory was not plausible since other types of animals in the vicinity would have also met their deaths. However, scientists hypothesize that while a commercial poison can be ruled out as the cause, natural poisons may have something to do with the occurrence. Which of the following is a synonym of the word “drought” as it is used in the paragraph?

The first theory examined weather patterns in Botswana. Environmentalists looked into the possibility of droughts in the country, since they are the leading cause of mass deaths similar to this case. However, they were unable to confirm any recent periods of drought. In fact, the elephants did not seem to have problems accessing water or getting specific nutrients. Secondly, conservationists verified that all of the elephants contained their ivory tusks as well as all of their molars at the time of death and afterwards, eliminating any chance that poachers had something to do with the events. Although some experts initially considered that poachers may have poisoned the elephants, this theory was not plausible since other types of animals in the vicinity would have also met their deaths. However, scientists hypothesize that while a commercial poison can be ruled out as the cause, natural poisons may have something to do with the occurrence. What is the meaning of the word “plausible” as it is used in the paragraph?

Reaching carbon neutrality in production is vital to slowing and reversing climate change. In a fascinating development, Korean researchers are working on an artificial photosynthesis technology. It mimics natural photosynthesis by harnessing energy from sunlight to convert climate change-fueling carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable methanol, ethylene, and ethanol. Though the process has been successful in laboratory conditions, more testing is needed to translate artificial photosynthesis technology into practical field applications. Dr. Hyung Suk Oh and Dr. Woong Hee Lee hope to integrate their system with silicon solar cells for use in real, large-scale solar environments. Their work is encouraging. They have reached the highest sunlight-to-compound conversion efficiency yet, at 12.1%, in artificial photosynthesis systems for silicon solar cells. Projects like this should receive increased funding to help neutralize populations’ carbon emissions. What is the purpose of the final sentence in this paragraph?